Mark WahlbergMark Wahlberg learned to accept gay people after discovering his late uncle was a closet homosexual. The star grew up on the mean streets of Boston where gay issues weren't discussed and homosexuals kept their private lives a well-kept secret.

But Wahlberg, who served time for beating up an Asian man, admits considering his uncle's life reminds him to accept everyone.

He says, "My uncle was gay and he was a teamster and a truck driver and he was a guy's guy, but he kept this secret his whole life. Imagine how hard that must have been for him. I feel so bad. Every time my dad brings it up, he cries because he loves his brother more than anything. He doesn't care what it was. He was born that way. Acceptance is the key. The only way you're gonna succeed in life and really grow as a human being is through acceptance."

Mark WahlbergMark Wahlberg "cherishes" the recurring nightmares he has about his prison sentence because they constantly remind him to make the right decisions. The star was sent to prison for assault when he was 17, and he admits he relives the "disgusting" experience over and over again.

He says, "It was just the fact that I couldn't come and go as I pleased and also it was the first time I really had the opportunity to reflect; I was sober long enough to realize the harm that I had caused. I still think about going to jail often. I have a lot of recurring nightmares about being back in prison or being pursued for something that I didn't do or something that I did but it was kinda an accident. But I actually cherish those dreams because I think those things keep me focused ... because all it takes is one thing."

And Wahlberg admits he struggled with his harsh Boston upbringing when he first started acting and getting recognized in Hollywood. He adds, "It took me so long to stop getting in trouble ... because you see somebody looking at you and you're like, 'Oh, s**t! This guy's gonna do something to me, I better do something to him first."

Well IMO with all that money and success you either destroy yourself and end up dead or use it to become a better person.I'm almost sure Mark fights the urge to do something he shouldn't everyday because who you were and where you came from is always in the back of your head and sometimes the smallest things can bring that out. so Mark is really strong and smart, he doesn't get confused between good and bad , he sticks to the good GOOD 4 HIM I'm not sure i like many ppl would be able to handle that

Well said!! I totally agree with you!!_________________"Success makes it harder to be a better person. To be more level-headed, more appreciative, more generous - all those things become harder." - M. Wahlberg